Public health departments suspend some services due to COVID-19 related issues

Some services at public health departments have reportedly been curtailed due to the high number of  public health inspectors and vector control workers in quarantine for extended periods due to delays in getting their COVID-19 test results.

According to the Jamaica Association of  Local Government Officers (JALGO) the delay in releasing the worker's results has affected the COVID-19 response programme, food hygiene inspections and dengue mitigation.

The union wrote to the Permanent Secretary in the Health Ministry on Monday requesting his intervention.

Helene Davis Whyte, General Secretary of  JALGO, has characterised the situation as one giving cause for grave concern.

The union has asked the health ministry to implement measures to fast track COVID-19 testing of  public health workers.

Mrs Davis Whyte added that public health inspectors and vector control workers are concerned that there are no COVID-19 prevention measures in place for them while on the job.